FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Camping: Willow Creek Campground has two large pull-through spaces for RVs, and many other distinct spaces for every type of camper. A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced.

Group Camping: There is a group camping facility in the campground.

Picnicking/Day Use: There are two day use areas that provide a great spot for a day hike and picnic. These areas have covered tables, restrooms, grills and wonderful views.

Fishing: There is fishing in Willow Creek. Rainbow trout are stocked as needed and the browns and brook trout are naturally reproducing.

Hiking: There is a trail system that covers each end of the park and is suitable for many types of activities, including hiking and mountain biking. During winter months these trails are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

OHV Trails: There is an off-highway vehicle trail that connects into thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management lands. 

American Discovery Trail: The American Discovery Trail is a great way to experience Nevada's beautiful and rugged backcountry. The Nevada portion of this 6,800+ mile trail covers 500 miles of Nevada's remarkale landscape, traversing 14 mountain ranges and challenging its explorers to a total climb of 34,000 feet! Six of Nevada's State Parks can be accessed by way of this route, including Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. Stay with Nevada State Parks while exploring the American Discovery Trail!

Hours: Open seven days a week, 365 days a year.

FIELD NOTES

• No climbing on the ovens; it is not safe and causes extensive damage to them.
• No shooting firearms in the park.
• Removing, disturbing or damaging any historic structure, artifact, rock, plant life, fossil or other feature is prohibited. State and federal laws protect this area and its resources.
• Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
• Collection of wood is prohibited.
• Please use trash cans or dumpsters provided.
• The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
• Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect. Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the park or may be viewed on the Park Rules page.
• Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office. We continually seek ways to provide recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and welcome any suggestions you may have.
• View a list of frequently asked questions.

NATURAL RESOURCES/CLIMATE

The park is in a classic Great Basin, high desert environment. Major vegetation consists of big sagebrush at lower elevations and pinyon/juniper forests at higher elevations. The park contains many different creeks with springs as sources. The park has an elevation range of 7,000-8,000 feet. There is diverse wildlife within the park, including Elk, deer, rabbit, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote and fox share the area with various bird species. (READ MORE)

HISTORY OF WARD OVENS – Established in 1969

The basin near Ward Charcoal Ovens was a major stopover for settlers who used Cave Valley road to travel from Pioche, Nevada, to the nearby railroad town of Toano (1870-1876). Silver ore was discovered here in 1872 when freighters were looking for oxen that were grazing in the Willow Creek Basin area. The Ward Mining District, located two miles north of the park, was then developed. Small claim mining continued in this area for several years. In April 1875, the Martin & White Company from San Francisco invested money to extract silver ore, bought up several small claims and built smelters (furnaces) for melting ores. (READ MORE)